Chicagoland Special Spaces Adds New Chapter & Provides Bedroom Makeover For Palatine Girl

PALESTINE, Ill. - May 1, 2014 - PRLog -- Addy was born prematurely at 24 weeks and spent her first 196 days of life at Children’s Memorial Hospital. She has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, which has left her wheelchair bound. Additionally, she suffers from many other afflictions which have resulted in about 16 surgeries and she is fed with a g-tube. Her room makeover will be designed to incorporate her special medical needs. Even though Addison has limited mobility and communication, she is happy, always smiling and is a budding artist. Her love of painting is the inspiration for her room décor.

Addison’s room makeover is being completed by the Special Spaces Chicagoland chapter and the newly created North Affiliate chapter with Associate Director Amy Eiduke. Kelly Knox is the Chicagoland Director, founding the chapter in 2012 and is delighted to have the North Affiliate join the team.  “We have had to turn down and wait list many sick children and families and that has been heartbreaking. With the addition of a North Affiliate chapter, we can help even more children in need,” says Knox.

To help complete makeovers, Special Spaces depends on donations from individuals, local businesses, groups and even other foundations. Addison’s room makeover funding is being provided by the Coldwell Banker Charitable Foundation.  This is the second Special Spaces room the Coldwell Banker Foundation has sponsored. The Foundation’s purpose is to support local housing-related charities that directly benefit the needs of the people and communities that it serves.

Additionally, a diaper drive is also being conducted to help Addison and her family. If you are interested in helping with this necessity that is NOT covered by insurance, you can drop off size 6 or 7 diapers to the Coldwell Banker Foundation offices at 2215 Sanders Rd. St. 300, Northbrook, IL 60062.

Special Spaces Chicagoland has provided over a dozen room makeovers since its inception. Knox has a full slate scheduled for 2014 and a waiting list is in place for many more deserving children.  The organization’s goal is to create dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening medical illnesses. The focus is answering one question:  Where does a child go when battling a serious illness to find peace and comfort?  A bedroom of course.  According to Knox, “A bedroom to most kids is a personal space—a place that represents his or her unique personality. For a child with a critical illness who spends a lot of time at home in his or her room, that room should be a very special space.  A place of comfort and refuge.  A place that inspires and gives hope.”

The Chicagoland chapter has room makeovers scheduled on a monthly basis for children in need. Follow the progress on Facebook at “Special Spaces Chicagoland”. For details about this special organization go to http://www.specialspaceschicagoland.org.  For more information on how you can volunteer, donate, or start a chapter yourself, please contact kellyk@specialspaces.org.